Pictured above, left to right: Drew Erickson (President, Thief River Falls Rotary) and Michelle Landsverk (Executive Director, Advance Thief River)
Thief River Falls Rotary Awards $5,000 Grant to Advance Thief River Childcare Fund
On October 1, the Thief River Falls Rotary proudly awarded a $5,000 grant to the Advance Thief River Childcare Fund, supporting the critical needs of area childcare providers. The grant, presented by Rotary President Drew Erickson, symbolizes the organization’s ongoing dedication to the community. Accepting the award was Michelle Landsverk, Executive Director of Advance Thief River, who expressed deep gratitude for Rotary’s commitment to the region’s childcare providers.
Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” exemplifies the organization’s dedication to improving communities and making a positive impact through selfless service. Rotary’s mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. This award aligns perfectly with Rotary’s mission and values by supporting a vital community service—childcare. By addressing the challenges faced by local childcare providers, Rotary is helping to ensure that working families have access to high-quality childcare options, a foundational component in fostering a healthy and thriving community.
The Advance Thief River (ATR) Childcare Fund aims to help sustain and grow childcare resources in the area, ensuring that local providers have the support they need to continue offering safe, reliable care for children. The grant from Rotary will directly impact these providers, offering much-needed financial assistance as they navigate the complexities of running a small childcare business, helping with licensing and other essential expenses. This grant will make a meaningful difference for providers and the families they serve.
This partnership is another example of how Rotary’s service and community-minded initiatives align with the well-being of the Thief River Falls area. Through this grant, the Rotary Club is not only supporting early education but also helping ensure that working parents have the necessary childcare resources to succeed in their careers while nurturing the next generation. Rotary’s “Service Above Self” commitment shines through in every act of support for the community, ensuring a brighter future for all.
More Information About the ATR Childcare Fund
The funds raised through this campaign will be allocated to the following initiatives:
- Providing grants to aspiring childcare providers, encouraging individuals to start a childcare business and helping them meet licensing requirements.
- Providing grants to existing childcare providers, encouraging them to continue providing childcare services.
- Providing financial support for our Early Childhood Educators Network as a means of retaining our existing childcare providers.
Eligible uses of grant funding include: facility enhancement such as flooring, egress windows, and fencing; toys and equipment; training; and other items needed to attain or retain licensing.
The ATR Childcare Fund will provide much-needed support to both existing and aspiring childcare providers. By bolstering this critical infrastructure, we can ensure that families in Thief River Falls have access to reliable, high-quality childcare, enabling parents to participate fully in the workforce and contributing to the overall economic strength of our community.
To contribute to the campaign, donations can be made online at https://bit.ly/TRF-Childcare-Fund. Questions should be directed to Michelle Landsverk, mlandsverk@advancethiefriver.com.
More About Advance Thief River
Advance Thief River is committed to fostering economic growth and well-being in Pennington County. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, we aim to create a thriving environment for the businesses and residents who call this place home.
